Both the PEER Group and Crossing Automation have completed the relevant purchases of some of the assets of bankrupt fab automation specialist, Asyst Technologies. Crossing Automation secured the purchase of Asyst's atmospheric assets, including the sorter, EFEM (equipment front end module), load port and RFID products. The PEER Group now owns the software business, which includes the ConX300 tool connectivity suite, customers and contracts.

“This acquisition is a significant result for Crossing, Asyst’s employees and its customers,” noted Crossing Automation’s new President and CEO, Bob MacKnight. “We gain critical capability and an instant customer base interested in all aspects of front- and back-end tool automation technology. The employees get a chance to thrive in a new environment. Most importantly, the customers have continuity of supply and can begin to focus on their ongoing needs with a strong, financially sound company that is focused on its customers’ and the technologies required for the success and profitability of our industry.”

Likewise, PEER Group expands its customer base, especially in the important market of Asia.

“Our CCS Envoy test application has been used in Japan for more than 10 years,” commented Mike Kropp, COO of PEER Group. “Along with the newly acquired Asyst products, we’ll have more than 80% of Japanese OEMs as customers and are now in a position to make a positive impact on factory automation productivity on a global scale.”

Existing Asyst customers would seem to be pleased with the changes.

“From the initial ConX integration into our first tool platform, we have received all of our technical support directly from PEER Group,” noted Chris Moore, President of Semilab USA Ltd. “Software integration with our equipment controllers has always gone smoothly and our products are quickly accepted by the most advanced fabs and run reliably in production.”

Crossing’s MacKnight added that the company would “focus on how to truly deliver both product sets as integrated ‘building block’ components that are fully customizable to meet customer’s technical requirements while still reducing costs and time to market for the products. We look forward to working with our current and new customers to identify the best approaches to meet their requirements and support them for the long term.”